Myers, Walter Dean. 2011. WE ARE AMERICA: A TRIBUTE FROM THE HEART. New York: Collins. ISBN 978-0060523084 [Suggested Grade Levels 2-10]REVIEW
The father-and-son team that brought us HARLEM, BLUES JOURNEY, and JAZZ, collaborates to create this lyrical collection of free verse poetry, quotes, and mural-like paintings. These powerful poems celebrate many aspects of American history and identity featuring significant historical figures along the way. They do not shy away from addressing difficult and complex aspects of our nation’s background as well as hailing the contributions of ordinary citizens among the famous and the monumental. The expansive paintings add a majesty to the poetry with layers of detail and meaning. There are stories within stories as readers consider the artwork, the quotations, and the poems together.
CONNECTIONS
These poems lend themselves to being read aloud, particularly when linked to commemorating historic occasions. Or perform for a public event (like a parent meeting or open house) accompanied by a tableau in which children pose in a scene as if in a play while the poem is read aloud. Also encourage the children to research more about the historical figures who are featured in the poems and to work together to write new poems about additional persons they discover.
RELATED BOOKS
More poetry for young people that celebrates the U.S.
Gunning, Monica. AMERICA, MY NEW HOME. ISBN 978-1590780572
Hopkins, Lee Bennett. MY AMERICA: A POETRY ATLAS OF THE U.S. ISBN 978-0689812477
Siebert, Diane. TOUR AMERICA: A JOURNEY THROUGH POEMS AND ART. ISBN 0811850560
Smith, Charles R. Jr. I AM AMERICA. ISBN 978-0439431798
By Sylvia M. Vardell
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